This year World Polio Day is on the 24 October 2014. Each year the Rotary Club of Honiara donates some of its funds to the Rotary PolioPlus Program to help eradicate the crippling disease polio.
These funds help to provide much-needed operational support, medical personnel, laboratory equipment, and educational materials for health workers and parents.
Polio is a highly infectious, potentially fatal disease that causes paralysis. It can affect those of any age but mainly affects children under five. As there is no cure, the best protection is prevention. For as little as US 60 cents worth of vaccine, a child can be protected against this crippling disease for life.
Rotary launched its PolioPlus program, the first initiative to tackle global polio eradication, in 1985. Since then, through the investment of more than US$9 billion, and the successful engagement of over 200 countries and 20 million volunteers, Rotary has contributed to the protection of more than two billion children in 122 countries.
The number of annual cases has reduced to fewer than 250, which is a 99% reduction since the 1980’s. Today there are only three countries where polio remains – Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan. Polio could be the first human disease of the 21st century to be eradicated, however, until polio is fully eradicated; all countries remain at risk of outbreaks.
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 34,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas.
Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. For more information, visit Rotary.org.
The Rotary Club Of Honiara meets every Tuesday at the Flamingo Room, Honiara Hotel from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. All are invited to attend our weekly meetings and be part of our family in supporting the Solomon Islands.
